Employee Development Definitions

Term

Definition

Performance Development

When an employee is not meeting expectations in their current job and is required to learn fundamental skills or develop specific knowledge. Here, employees ask themselves, "What do I need to do in the next three to six months to meet my leader’s expectations?" This development is initiated by the leader.

In-Place Development

The advancement of skills or expertise to succeed in an employee’s current job. Here, employees ask themselves, "What do I want to achieve in the next year in my current position?" Often employees are meeting performance expectations and are interested in growing, becoming an expert, a role model or achieving an “exceeds expectations” or “outstanding” performance rating. This development is identified through a leader and employee partnership.

Re-Skilling for Emerging Disciplines

Gaining an understanding of and/or developing key skills that may be necessary to support the organization in the long-term. As technology evolves or new skills are required to support systems, applications, or business processes, employees may be asked to engage in learning new skills. Here, employees ask themselves, “How might my job change in the next two to five years, and what skills do I need to develop to stay relevant?” This development results from organizational or technological changes which may have an impact on an employee’s job and is identified through a leader and employee partnership.

Career Development

A self-initiated, on-going process in which an individual learns and grows, either personally or professionally. Leaders offer encouragement to staff who want to pursue career goals, and there may be tools provided by the organization to support employees in their continued growth. Here, employees ask themselves, “Where do I want to go?” This development is initiated by the employee.